Wheels having multiple-piece composite structures

ABSTRACT

A wheel includes a first hoop attached to a second hoop about a circumferential interface. The first and second hoops form at least part of an enclosed box structure positioned circumferentially around the wheel and adjacent to an outboard side of the wheel. The box structure may be formed at least in part by circumferential projections of the first hoop and the second hoop. The wheel may also include a central hub that optionally includes spokes. In some embodiments, the central hub may form part of the enclosed box structure. In some embodiments, a first hoop portion and a second hoop portion may be integral or unitary, with a box structure integrally formed between the hoop portions.

BACKGROUND

In automotive and other industries, wheels that are both strong andlightweight are desirable. Strong wheels tend to resist damage, andlightweight wheels generally exhibit improved efficiency and performancedue to decreased rotational inertia.

But existing wheels suffer from several drawbacks. For example, strongwheels tend to be heavier, while lightweight wheels tend to be weaker orless durable. Many existing wheels are formed from metal alloys whichhave limited strength and weight characteristics relative to their costand material properties. Clever machining techniques may provide strongand lightweight metal wheel designs, but weight savings are minimalcompared to the large costs of machining such designs.

Some existing wheels have been made using carbon fiber, but existingcarbon fiber wheels are expensive, complicated to manufacture, and theymay not provide optimal weight or cost savings. In addition, existingcarbon fiber wheel hubs can be damaged by heat produced during braking.

SUMMARY

A wheel includes a first hoop attached to a second hoop about acircumferential interface. The first and second hoops form at least partof an enclosed box structure positioned circumferentially around thewheel and adjacent to an outboard side of the wheel. The box structuremay be formed at least in part by circumferential projections of thefirst hoop and the second hoop. The wheel may also include a central hubthat optionally includes spokes. In some embodiments, the central hubmay form part of the enclosed box structure. In some embodiments, thefirst hoop, the second hoop, and optionally, the central hub, may beformed as a single or unitary structure. Other features and advantageswill appear hereinafter. The features described above can be usedseparately or together, or in various combinations of one or more ofthem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the sameelement throughout the views:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordancewith several embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates a curb-side view of the wheel assembly shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly taken alongLine 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the interface betweenthe outer hoop and the inner hoop shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the wheelassembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the wheel assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6a illustrates a sectional view of a wheel assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates a curb-side view of a wheel assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly taken alongLine 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the box structure shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a curb-side view of a wheel assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly taken alongLine 11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the box structure shownin FIG. 11.

FIG. 12a illustrates a sectional view of a wheel assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 13 illustrates a curb-side view of a two-part composite wheelassembly in accordance with another embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly taken alongLine 14-14 in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to wheels having multiple-piececomposite structures including circumferential box structures forimproved strength and weight characteristics. Various embodiments of thetechnology will now be described. The following description providesspecific details for a thorough understanding and enabling descriptionof these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however,that the invention may be practiced without many of these details.Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shownor described in detail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring therelevant description of the various embodiments. Accordingly, thetechnology may have other embodiments with additional elements orwithout several of the elements described below with reference to FIGS.1-14.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended tobe interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it isbeing used in conjunction with a detailed description of certainspecific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even beemphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted inany restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as suchin this detailed description section.

Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include theplural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” isexpressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the otheritems in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such alist is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list,(b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in thelist. Further, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “attached” or“connected” are intended to include integral connections, as well asconnections between physically separate components.

Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology aredescribed herein with reference to automotive wheels formed with carbonfiber composite materials. In other embodiments, the technology may beused in other industries or using other materials, for example, othercomposite materials or alloys.

The present technology provides wheels having multiple-piece compositestructures, including circumferential box structures for improvedstrength and weight characteristics. Examples of this technology areillustrated in FIGS. 1-14.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wheel assembly 100 inaccordance with several embodiments of the present technology. A centeror hub portion 110 is mounted in a rim barrel assembly 120. The rimbarrel assembly 120 includes an outboard or outer hoop 130 attached toan inboard or inner hoop 140. In use, the outer hoop 130 may face awayfrom a vehicle or towards a curb-side of a vehicle, while the inner hoop140 may face towards a vehicle or away from a curb-side of a vehicle,although other suitable orientations may be used. The hub portion 110may include one or more attachment points 150 for attaching the wheelassembly 100 to a vehicle or other device making use of the wheelassembly 100. The attachment points 150 may be similar to wheelattachment points known in the art for attaching a wheel to a vehicle orother device. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment points150 may be arranged as a bolt circle having a number of openings forwheel lugs (for example, a four-lug attachment or a five-lugattachment). In other embodiments, there may be a center-lock style ofattachment to a vehicle axle.

The hub portion 110 may be attached to the rim barrel assembly 120 bymounting a number of spoke portions 160 of the hub portion 110 betweenoutboard or outer flanges 170 of the outer hoop 130 and inboard or innerflanges 180 of the inner hoop 140, as described in further detail belowwith regard to FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 2 illustrates a curb-side view of the wheel assembly 100. Line 3-3defines a sectional plane for illustrating a sectional view of the wheelassembly 100 in FIG. 3. Turning now to FIG. 3, an inner side of theinner hoop 140 may have a circumferential inner bead flange 310 forretaining the bead portion of a tire to the wheel assembly 100 in aconventional manner. Similarly, an outboard side of the outer hoop 130may have a circumferential outer bead flange 320 for retaining the beadportion of a tire to the wheel assembly 100 in a conventional manner.

In several embodiments of the present technology, the outer hoop 130 andthe inner hoop 140 are shaped to form a circumferential box structure330 when they are attached to each other. The outer hoop 130 and theinner hoop 140 may also be shaped to form a number of double-shearconnection points 340 to receive spoke portions 160. The double-shearconnection points 340 may include the outer flange 170 of the outer hoop130 and the inner flange 180 of the inner hoop 140. The outer and innerflanges 170, 180 may project toward a central or rotational axis of thewheel assembly 100. The double-shear connection points 340 and the boxstructure 330 are described in additional detail below with respect toFIG. 4. To facilitate mounting a tire to the wheel assembly 100, theouter hoop 130 and the inner hoop 140 may be suitably shaped such thatthe rim barrel assembly 120 has a drop region 390.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the interface betweenthe outer hoop 130 and the inner hoop 140 forming the box structure 330and a double-shear connection point 340 in accordance with an embodimentof the technology. The box structure 330 is formed from overlappingconcentric circumferential projections extending from the outer hoop 130and the inner hoop 140. For example, the outer hoop 130 may have acircumferential first projection 410 extending generally horizontally orinwardly from an outboard or curb-side face of the outer hoop 130. Thefirst projection 410 may have a circumferential bend 420 toward a centerregion of the rim barrel assembly 120. The first projection 410,including the bend 420, forms a radially outward portion of the boxstructure 330. A surface of the first projection 410 forms part of theradially outward surface of the rim barrel assembly 120.

The outer hoop 130 may have a second projection 430 extending generallyradially inwardly toward a center region of the rim barrel assembly 120.The second projection 430 forms an outboard or curb-side portion of thebox structure 330. The inner hoop 140 may have a circumferential thirdprojection 440 extending outwardly toward the curb-side of the rimbarrel assembly 120. The third projection 440 forms a radially inwardportion of the box structure 330. When the outer hoop 130 and the innerhoop 140 are brought together to form the rim barrel assembly 120, thefirst projection 410 may be circumferentially attached to the thirdprojection 440 at a circumferential joint 450, which may be formed bybonding or otherwise attaching parallel portions of the first projection410 and the third projection 440 together. In some embodiments, thejoint 450 may be formed with an adhesive or other suitable appliedbonding material, while in other embodiments, the joint 450 may beformed with a fastener, such as a bolt, screw, or rivet, or with anothersuitable connector. The second projection 430 is bonded or otherwiseattached to a portion of the third projection 440 at a circumferentialjoint 460, which may be formed with an adhesive or other suitableapplied bonding material, or with a fastener such as a bolt, screw, orrivet, or with another suitable connector.

When the outer hoop 130 is bonded or otherwise attached to the innerhoop 140 at the circumferential joints 450, 460, the box structure 330is formed by the projections 410, 430, 440. In other embodiments, othershapes or arrangements of projections 410, 430, 440 may be used to formthe box structure 330. For example, in some embodiments, the boxstructure 330 may have a relatively square cross-section. In otherembodiments, the box structure 330 may have a triangular cross-sectionor a cross-section having other shapes with any number of faces. In yetother embodiments, the box structure 330 may have a more roundedcross-section (for example, circular, elliptical, etc.) or anirregularly-shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the joints 450,460 do not need to be formed from parallel portions of the projections410, 430, 440.

In some embodiments, as described above, the double-shear connectionpoints 340 for attaching the spokes 160 to the rim barrel assembly 120may be formed by the outer flange 170 and the inner flange 180. Theouter flange 170 may be a part of the second projection 430. The innerflange 180 may be a part of the third projection 440.

The outer and inner flanges 170, 180 extend generally radially inwardlyin the rim barrel assembly 120 in a generally parallel orientation,spaced apart to receive a spoke 160. The outer flange 170 and the innerflange 180 may each have a through-hole 470 that is coaxial with a bore480 in the spoke 160. A bolt, pin, or other suitable fastener may passthrough the through-holes 470 and the bore 480 to mount the hub portion110 to the rim barrel assembly 120.

In some embodiments, such a bolt, pin, or other fastener may bepositioned so that it is not visible from a curb-side view of the wheelassembly 100. For example, such a bolt, pin, or other fastener may berecessed behind a curb-side surface of each outer flange 170 such thatthe outer flange 170 does not have a through-hole 470, but rather anindentation or recess on its inboard side to receive an end of the bolt,pin, or other fastener. In some embodiments, an adhesive or othersuitable connector may optionally retain the spoke 160 in thedouble-shear connection point 340, with or without a bolt, pin, or otherfastener between the hub portion 110 and rim barrel assembly 120.Although a double-shear connection point 340 is illustrated, in someembodiments, a single-shear connection may be used, such that either theouter flange 170 or the inner flange 180 is omitted and a spoke 160 ismounted in the wheel assembly 100 by connection with the remainingflange. For example, the inner flange 180 may be omitted and the spoke160 may be attached to the outer flange 170 as described herein.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exploded cross-sectional view and anexploded perspective view, respectively, of the wheel assembly 100illustrated and described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4. The outer hoop130, the inner hoop 140, and the hub portion 110 may be manufacturedseparately and attached together to form the wheel assembly 100. In someembodiments, the outer hoop 130 and the inner hoop 140 are formed from acarbon fiber composite material. In other embodiments, other materialsor combinations of materials may be used, such as thermoplastics,thermoset polymers, other composite materials, metals, or metal alloys.In some embodiments, the outer hoop 130 and the inner hoop 140 areformed from the same materials, while in other embodiments, the outerhoop 130 and the inner hoop 140 are formed from different materials. Thehub portion 110 may be formed with a variety of materials orcombinations of materials, including, for example, carbon fibermaterials, thermoplastic materials, fiberglass materials, fiberreinforced plastic materials, other composite materials, or metals suchas magnesium, aluminum, or other suitable metals or metal alloys.Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the outer hoop 130 and theinner hoop 140 are formed from a carbon fiber composite material, whilethe hub portion 110 is formed from an aluminum alloy, such that thewheel assembly 100 is a three-piece hybrid metal-composite wheel (notcounting fasteners).

In some embodiments, the hub portion 110 may be formed from acombination of materials, such as a carbon fiber skin material wrappedor otherwise layered upon an aluminum or other metal structural part.Such embodiments may provide for a lightweight and low-cost assemblywith a carbon fiber look or style. In yet further embodiments, the hubportion 110 may be formed from a combination of fiberglass and carbonfiber to provide light weight and strong impact-resistance properties.In some embodiments, the hub portion 110 may have one or more embeddedbushings (for example, metal bushings) at the attachment points 150 toaccommodate the wheel lugs or center-lock hub for connecting to avehicle axle. Such bushings may provide a protective interface between avehicle axle and the hub portion 110.

In addition to providing lightweight wheels, there are many advantagesto embodiments of the present technology. For example, the box structure330 provides improved stiffness for the wheel assembly 100. Thedouble-shear connection points 340 provide a secure mount for the hubportion 110 while also reinforcing the bond between the outer hoop 130and the inner hoop 140. The double-shear connection points 340 alsoallow improved visibility of the rim barrel assembly 120 for improvedaesthetics.

In embodiments using a metallic (for example, aluminum) hub portion 110,the hub portion 110 may act as a heat sink for brake heat, which canhelp resist heat damage to the composite parts of the wheel assembly 100that might otherwise occur in a full carbon fiber composite wheel. Inembodiments using a composite (for example, carbon fiber) hub portion110, a thermal liner or insulator can be placed between the hub portion110 and the brakes of a vehicle. For example, such a thermal liner mayinclude a plastic or ceramic plate, a heat-reflective sheet, or anotherthermal resistive or reflective material to shield or protect the hubportion 110 from heat produced during braking maneuvers. In someembodiments, the thermal liner may be attached to the hub portion 110.In some embodiments, the thermal liner may be in the form of washers orbushings between the hub portion 110 and the vehicle's brake assembly.Other advantages to the foregoing structure include improved clearanceof brake calipers and decreased camber compliance due to a largerinboard dish formed in the rim barrel assembly 120.

FIG. 6a illustrates a sectional view of a wheel assembly 600 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The viewin FIG. 6a is similar to the view in FIG. 3, in that it represents across section of a wheel taken along a line similar to line 3-3 in FIG.2. Although a rim barrel assembly may be formed from a plurality ofpieces (for example, as described above with regard to the rim barrelassembly 120), a rim barrel 620 may optionally be formed as a singleintegral piece, having a box structure 650 integrally formed therein andbeing positioned about a circumference of the rim barrel 620.

For example, an outer hoop portion 630 and an inner hoop portion 640 maybe molded, laid-up, or otherwise formed as one single integral piece(i.e., omitting circumferential joints such as the joints 450, 460described above). In such an embodiment, the box structure 650 may beformed as an open space when the rim barrel 620 is formed. The boxstructure 650 may be similar in shape to other box structures disclosedherein.

A hub portion 110 may be positioned in the rim barrel 620 during layupor molding, or it may be installed in the rim barrel 620 after the rimbarrel 620 is assembled. The hub portion 110 may be attached to the rimbarrel 620 using a number of double-shear connection points 660, eachhaving an outer flange 670 and an inner flange 680 (in a manner similarto the double-shear connection points 340 described above). In someembodiments, a single-shear connection point may be used, such thateither the outer flange 670 or the inner flange 680 is omitted, and aspoke 160 is mounted in the wheel assembly 100 by connection with asingle flange.

FIG. 7 illustrates a curb-side view of a wheel assembly 700 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present technology. A hubportion 710 is bonded or otherwise attached to an outer hoop 720, whichis bonded or otherwise attached to an inner hoop 810 described belowwith regard to FIG. 8. The hub portion 710 may include spokes 730. Line8-8 defines a sectional plane for illustrating a sectional view of thewheel assembly 700 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly 700 shown inFIG. 7, taken across the plane defined by 8-8 shown in FIG. 7. The outerhoop 720 and an inner hoop 810 are shaped such that when they are joinedtogether in the wheel assembly 700, they form a circumferential boxstructure 820, as further described below with regard to FIG. 9.Circumferential bead flanges 830, 840 retain a tire on the wheelassembly 700.

FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the box structure 820formed between the outer hoop 720 and the inner hoop 810. FIG. 9 alsoillustrates the attachment between the hub portion 710 and the outerhoop 720. The box structure 820 is formed from overlapping concentriccircumferential projections extending from the outer hoop 720 and theinner hoop 810. For example, the outer hoop 720 may have acircumferential first projection 910 that may be generally similar tothe first projection 410 of the outer hoop 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.Specifically, the first projection 910 of the outer hoop 720 may extendgenerally horizontally or inwardly from an outer or curb-side face ofthe outer hoop 720. The first projection 910 may have a circumferentialbend 920 toward a center region of the wheel assembly 700. The firstprojection 910, including the bend 920, forms a radially outward portionof the box structure 820. A surface of the first projection 910 forms apart of a radially outward surface of the wheel assembly 700.

The outer hoop 720 may further include a circumferential secondprojection 930 extending generally radially inwardly toward a centerregion of the wheel assembly 700. The second projection 930 may have acircumferential bend 940 toward the inner hoop 810. The secondprojection 930 therefore forms portions of a curb-side and radiallyinward region of the box structure 820. The inner hoop 810 may have acircumferential third projection 950 extending outwardly toward thecurb-side of the wheel assembly 700. The third projection 950 forms partof a radially inward portion of the box structure 820. When the outerhoop 720 and the inner hoop 810 are brought together to form the wheelassembly 700, the first projection 910 may be circumferentially attachedto the third projection 950 at a joint 960, which may be formedsimilarly to joints described above with regard to FIGS. 1-6. Likewise,the second projection 930 may be circumferentially attached to the thirdprojection 950 at a joint 970. The hub portion 710 may be attached tothe outer hoop 720 along a circumferential joint 980, using adhesive orother suitable bonding material. In some embodiments, a number offasteners may be used to join the hub portion 710 to the outer hoop 720.

FIG. 10 illustrates a curb-side view of a wheel assembly 1000 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present technology. A hubportion 1010 is attached to an outer hoop 1020 an inner hoop describedbelow with regard to FIG. 11. The hub portion 1010 may be at leastpartially hollow, for example, by utilizing hollow spokes 1030, makingit lighter and more stiff. Line 11-11 defines a sectional plane forillustrating a sectional view of the wheel assembly 1000 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly 1000 shown inFIG. 10, taken across the plane defined by 11-11 shown in FIG. 10. Theouter hoop 1020, the hollow spokes 1030, and an inner hoop 1110 areshaped such that when they are joined together in the wheel assembly1000, they form a circumferential box structure 1120 as furtherdescribed below with regard to FIG. 12. Circumferential bead flanges830, 840 retain a tire on the wheel assembly 1000.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the box structure 1120formed by the hollow space provided in the interface between the outerhoop 1020, the hollow spokes 1030, and the inner hoop 1110. FIG. 12 alsoillustrates the attachment between the hub portion 1010 and the outerhoop 1020 (via the hollow spokes 1030). The box structure 1120 is formedfrom overlapping concentric circumferential projections extending fromthe outer hoop 1020 and the inner hoop 1110, along with portions of thehollow spokes 1030. For example, the outer hoop 1020 may have acircumferential first projection 1210 that may be generally similar tothe first projection 910 of the outer hoop 720 illustrated in FIGS. 8-9.Specifically, the first projection 1210 of the outer hoop 1020 mayextend generally horizontally or inwardly from an outer or curb-sideface of the outer hoop 1020. The first projection 1210 may have acircumferential bend 1220 toward a center region of the wheel assembly1000. The first projection 1210, including the bend 1220, forms aradially outward portion of the box structure 1120. A surface of thefirst projection 1210 forms a part of a radially outward surface of thewheel assembly 1000.

The outer hoop 1020 may further include a circumferential secondprojection 1230 extending generally radially inwardly toward a centerregion of the wheel assembly 1000. The second projection 1230 forms partof a curb-side region of the box structure 1120. The inner hoop 1110 mayhave a circumferential third projection 1240 extending outwardly towardthe curb-side of the wheel assembly 1000. The third projection 1240 mayhave a bend 1250 towards a center region of the wheel assembly 1000. Thethird projection 1240 forms part of a radially inward portion of the boxstructure 1120. Outward walls 1260 and inward walls 1270 of the hubportion 1010 (for example, the spokes 1030) may be attached to thesecond projection 1230 and the third projection 1240, respectively, atparallel joints 1280, 1290. The first projection 1210 may be attached tothe third projection 1240 at a joint 1295. Accordingly, when the outerhoop 1020, the inner hoop 1110, and the hub portion 1010 (with hollowspokes 1030) are brought together to form the wheel assembly 1000, therespective projections are circumferentially attached. In someembodiments, the attachments may use an adhesive or another suitablebonding material at the joints. In other embodiments, a number offasteners may additionally or alternatively be used at the joints 1280,1290, 1295.

In the embodiments generally illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, the hub portions(710, 1010), the inner hoops (810, 1110), and the outer hoops (720,1020) may be formed from a carbon fiber composite material. In otherembodiments, the elements forming the wheel assemblies 700, 1000 may beformed from other materials, including other composite materials ormetal alloys, for example. In some embodiments, the hub portion, theinner hoop, and the outer hoop may be formed from the same materials, orin other embodiments, they may be formed from different materials.

In yet further embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIG. 12a ,joints between elements (for example, joints 1280, 1290, 1295 describedabove) may be omitted in favor of a wheel 1200 formed from a singleintegral element (excluding bushings used for attachment points). Forexample, an inner hoop portion 1296, an outer hoop portion 1297, and ahub portion 1298 may be molded, laid-up, or otherwise formed as a singleintegral piece having a box structure 1299 integrally formed therein andpositioned about a circumference of the wheel 1200. In such anembodiment, the box structure 1299 may be formed as an open space whenthe wheel 1200 is formed. The box structure 1299 may be similar in shapeto other box structures disclosed herein (for example, box structure1120), and space within the box structure 1299 may optionally connect tothe space within one or more hollow spokes 1030, such as at a locationwhere the spokes 1030 abut or intersect the box structure 1299.

FIG. 13 illustrates a curb-side view of a two-part composite wheelassembly 1300 in accordance with another embodiment of the presenttechnology. An outer hoop structure 1310 and spokes 1320 are integralwith each other (for example, they may be formed or manufactured as onepiece) and form a first part of the wheel assembly 1300. An inner hoop1410, described below with regard to FIG. 14, forms a second part of thewheel assembly 1300. Line 14-14 defines a sectional plane forillustrating a sectional view of the wheel assembly 1300 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the wheel assembly 1300 shown inFIG. 13, taken across the plane defined by 14-14 shown in FIG. 13. Theouter hoop structure 1310 (which includes spokes 1320) and the innerhoop 1410 are shaped such that when they are joined together in thewheel assembly 1300, they form a circumferential box structure 1420. Thebox structure 1420 is formed from overlapping concentric circumferentialprojections extending from the outer hoop structure 1310 and the innerhoop 1410. For example, the outer hoop structure 1310 may have acircumferential first projection 1430 that may be generally similar tothe first projection 410 of the outer hoop 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.Specifically, the first projection 1430 of the outer hoop structure 1310may extend generally horizontally or inwardly from an outer or curb-sideface of a radially outward portion 1435 of the outer hoop structure1310. The first projection 1430 may have a circumferential bend 1440toward a center region of the wheel assembly 1300. The first projection1430, including the bend 1440, form a radially outward portion of thebox structure 1420. A surface of the first projection 1430 forms a partof a radially outward surface of the wheel assembly 1300.

The inner hoop 1410 may have a circumferential second projection 1450extending outwardly toward the curb-side of the wheel assembly 1300. Thesecond projection 1450 forms part of a radially inward portion of thebox structure 1420. When the outer hoop structure 1310 and the innerhoop 1410 are brought together to form the wheel assembly 1300, thefirst projection 1430 may be circumferentially attached to the secondportion 1450 at a joint 1460, which may include attachment similar toattachment used in other joints (for example, 450) described herein.

The radially outward portion 1435 of the outer hoop structure 1310 formsan outboard or curb-side portion of the box structure 1420. A face ofthe radially outward portion 1435 is attached to the second projection1450 at a joint 1470, which may be similar to other joints describedherein. Accordingly, when the outer hoop structure 1310 and the innerhoop 1410 are brought together, they form a generally two-piece wheelassembly 1300 with a box structure 1420 for improved structuralqualities. Circumferential bead flanges 830, 840 retain a tire on thewheel assembly 1300.

The outer hoop structure 1310 and the inner hoop 1410 may be formed froma carbon fiber composite material. In some embodiments, the elementsforming the wheel assembly 1300 may be formed from other materials,including other composite materials or metal alloys, for example. Insome embodiments, the outer hoop structure 1310 and the inner hoop 1410may be formed from the same materials, or in other embodiments, they maybe formed from different materials.

The foregoing embodiments of the technology provide for easier and morecost-efficient manufacturing processes. For example, the rim barrels andhoops may be made in various widths to provide combinations that yieldvarious overall wheel widths and offsets without the need for a specificwheel tool for each overall wheel size. The center may be formed withvarious offsets to accommodate various vehicle fitments, or it may beformed with various styles to accommodate aesthetic needs.

The foregoing embodiments of the technology may also provide a decreasein rotational inertia of approximately 40 percent to 50 percent ascompared to a traditional aluminum wheel. Such a decrease in rotationalinertia can enable improved vehicle fuel efficiency, accelerationcapability, and perceived throttle response time. In addition, overallwheel weight may be decreased by approximately 20 percent to 40 percentas compared to a traditional aluminum wheel. Such a weight decrease mayimprove ride quality and suspension compliance. In addition, the boxstructures of the foregoing embodiments provide improved stiffnesswithout a significant weight penalty.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe disclosed technology have been described for purposes ofillustration, but that various modifications may be made withoutdeviating from the technology, and elements of certain embodiments maybe interchanged with those of other embodiments. For example, in someembodiments, the projections (such as 410, 430, 440) may have differentshapes, orientations, or bends (such as 420) to form the box structure(such as 330). Accordingly, the box structures disclosed herein may havevarious cross-sectional shapes (for example, square, triangular, otherpolygonal shapes, or rounded shapes). In some embodiments, a drop region(for example, 390) may not be included. In some embodiments, an innerhoop (for example, 140) and an outer hoop (for example, 130) in a rimbarrel assembly (for example, 120) may be formed from differentmaterials to make use of specific properties of each material in thesame wheel. For example, in some embodiments, an outer hoop formed withthermoplastic may have improved impact resistance, while an inner hoopformed from thermoset polymer (with a pre-preg reinforcing material insome embodiments) may have improved stiffness.

In some embodiments, elements of the present technology may be joinedusing joints other than parallel joints. In various embodiments,elements could be bonded with adhesive or attached with fasteners, orboth. In some embodiments, elements may be bonded together using abonding material painted or otherwise applied to mating surfaces. Insome embodiments, elements may be bonded together using an injectionbonding method. An injection bonding method may include placing themating elements adjacent to one another with a small gap therebetween,while a bonding material is injected through one or more holes in theelements so that the bonding material fills the gap. In someembodiments, a witness hole in one or more parts may be used to ensurethat the material has filled the gap to satisfy assembly requirements.

In some embodiments, various parts of the wheel assemblies (for example,hub portions or parts of the rim barrel assemblies) may be coated with amaterial to protect against environmental factors. For example, parts ofthe wheel assemblies may be coated with a layer of ultraviolet (UV)protective material, or with a material that resists corrosion or damagefrom road salt or other chemicals found on driving surfaces. In severalembodiments of the technology, various aesthetic or functional designsmay be used, including different numbers, shapes, or arrangements ofspokes. In some embodiments, a hub may not have spokes (for example, thehub may be solid or dish-like). In any embodiments involving elementsfastened, adhered, or otherwise attached together at one or more joints,such joints may be omitted such that elements are integrally formed as asingle or unitary element.

Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of thedisclosed technology have been described in the context of thoseembodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and notall embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall withinthe scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associatedtechnology may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown ordescribed herein, and the invention is not limited except as by theappended claims.

1.-8. (canceled)
 9. A wheel comprising: a first hoop having a firstcircumferential projection; a second hoop having a secondcircumferential projection; and a hub portion; wherein at least part ofthe hub portion is positioned between the first circumferentialprojection and the second circumferential projection; and wherein thefirst circumferential projection and the second circumferentialprojection form at least part of an enclosed box structure positionedabout a circumference of the wheel.
 10. The wheel of claim 9, furthercomprising a third circumferential projection extending in an inboarddirection from the first hoop and having a circumferential bend toward acenter region of the wheel, the third circumferential projection formingpart of the box structure.
 11. The wheel of claim 10, wherein the thirdcircumferential projection is attached to the second circumferentialprojection.
 12. The wheel of claim 9, wherein the first hoop and thesecond hoop each comprise a composite material, and the hub portioncomprises a metal alloy.
 13. The wheel of claim 9, wherein the hubportion is fastened between the first circumferential projection and thesecond circumferential projection with at least one pin or bolt. 14.(canceled)
 15. The wheel of claim 9, wherein the part of the hub portionpositioned between the first circumferential projection and the secondcircumferential projection comprises at least one spoke.
 16. A wheelcomprising: a hub portion; a first hoop comprising a firstcircumferential projection, the first hoop further comprising a flangeportion extending radially inwardly along at least part of the hubportion; and a second hoop comprising a second circumferentialprojection; wherein the first circumferential projection and the secondcircumferential projection form at least part of an enclosed boxstructure about a circumference of the wheel; and wherein the hubportion is mounted to the flange portion.
 17. The wheel of claim 16,wherein the first circumferential projection extends inwardly from anoutboard region of the wheel and has a circumferential bend towards acenter region of the wheel.
 18. The wheel of claim 16, wherein the firsthoop and the second hoop each comprise a composite material, and the hubportion comprises a metal alloy. 19.-30. (canceled)